While perusing the wares at many local retailers this past chilly weekend, I was joined by throngs of shoppers, out looking for holiday gifts. There were gaggles of young women, and the usual senior citizen couples, with the wife dragging the husband in and out of stores. There were also men shopping for their wives–presumably–and folks entertaining out-of-town company with our unique mix of eclectic retail.
We are truly a gem of a shopping town, from the whimsical animal clocks, stuffed candy canes and cherubic Creations by Los Gatos resident Sister Nicki at Azuca, to the gleaming crisscut diamonds of Blacy’s and Jennifer Candler’s stunning JEN Statement Jewelry.
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas.
There’s the unmistakable perfume of new running shoes at Athletic Performance, the alluring fresh-baked cookies aroma of Antoine’s, the mystical Zen-inspired incense of Moonstone Metaphysical, the holiday-in-a-box scent of Frazier fir candles and soaps at The Butter Paddle and the comforting natural fragrance of botanical wreaths at Natural Creations and the fresh cut flora of all kinds at Centerpiece Flowers, where owner Catherine Somers suggests giving a hand-crafted floral arrangement, or a one of a kind ceramic from local potter, Megan Douglas, who crafts bowls, mugs, berry bowls, yarn bowls, salt rocks, butter bells, juicers, soap dishes and more.
Speaking of hospitality, there’s always wine, which, despite the abstainers, is still an absolutely ideal gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Testarossa has a number of gift sets all ready for gifting and while you’re shopping, you can drop off unwrapped new toys through 12/17. You can request a raffle ticket from a Tasting Room Sales Associate for a chance to win a bottle of wine. Keep the bottom half of the ticket and leave the top portion with your name and phone number.
Gali Wines has three gift bundles, including The Celebration, which includes the new Gali Brut Rosé and the 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir.
Visit Curtis or JP at The Tasting House for a suggestion on fine Champagnes or wines as gifts to add flair to any holiday table. Melanie Bauer at Winston Champagne can also help you pick out the perfect fizz to get the party started. After all, as her sign says, “Champagne: because therapy is expensive.”
On the topic of therapy, there is nothing like immersing yourself in the expansive selection of self-care items at She She Boutique, where Jill Stapleton has the corner on femininity, with lacy comfy bralettes, chic crepe blouses and stylish cable knit sweaters from Dress Forum, and lots of sexy shoes. Here, you can find pickleball towels and pink insulated MVP (More Veuve Please) tumblers, plus adorable holiday sweatshirts with matching gloves, all ready to be stashed in a bag that says NOEL, JOY TO THE WORLD or BELIEVE. Treat yourself or that elegant friend to a faux-suede duster in rich carmine from Skies Are Blue, or melt into a faux fur jacket from Steve Madden. Go ahead and put it on Santa’s tab.
Dip into Domus for gorgeous chip and dip sets, plus tea towels, decorative serving pieces, and the ever-popular Rosy Ring candles and fancy Italian hand soap dispensers. Owner Margaret Smith says this year’s hot stuff includes espresso martini sets, fun ramen noodle bowls, soup ‘cozies’, Italian themed serving pieces decorated with the hills of Tuscany, and wine and water ‘bottles’ and vases from Blenko, the last US hand blown glass maker in the country. Says Smith, “With over 30,000 items in the store, my list could be endless!” Judging by all the folks shopping there, she’s got them covered.
(Laura Ness / Los Gatan)
Don’t forget gift certificates to our fine local restaurants, including The Tasting House, Gardenia, Forbes Mill, The Pastaria, The Lexington House, and Heritage Pub & Chop House.
Speaking of food, if someone on your gift list appreciates fine olive oils and balsamics, cool condiments and seasonings, We Olive can provide pre-made taster sets or you can customize your own. Their freshly milled basil, Meyer lemon or blood orange olive oils, along with a bottle of blackberry balsamic or white peach balsamic, could liven up every dish and turn a pear salad with toasted pecans and gorgonzola or dolce, into a main attraction.
Tyler and Willie Harmatz, owners of the town’s long-running store for people on the run, Athletic Performance, gift certificates, along with gloves, running hats, nutrition, long sleeve tops, compression socks (Tyler likes Feetures and Balega), and running belts to carry water/phone/energy gels, keys, etc. They’re happy to provide tips on training.
Speaking of keeping fit, Footwear Etc is having a sale on select Asics, Brooks, Hoka and Nike running shoes, plus Reiker, Taos and Remonte shoes, sandals and boots. They also carry Aetrex, Ara, Fidelio, Picolino’s, Vionic and Josef Seibel brands.
If you have kids into trains or automobiles, head to Automobuild, for games and kits. Doink-It Darts would be a fun game for a family, while My First FunFelt Shapes would be great for a pre-schooler.
The Butter Paddle is a winter wonderland of holiday décor and ornaments galore. Themed towels, soaps and lotions and nutcracker figurines are always in style. Chic eye glass cases and travel wallets, along with high-fashion gloves are handy, plus they have the cutest gifts for babies and toddlers. Don’t pass up Roxanne’s Biscotti or Lula Chocolates for stocking stuffers. Every purchase helps support Pacific Clinics, a nonprofit providing behavioral and mental health services for at-risk children and families in Santa Clara County.
Looking to treat yourself to some upgraded fashion this season? Jennifer Croll has ideas for men and women, including the Bianca dress in several lengths: paint it black, naturally. Add a cute shortie faux fur jacket in white or pink. You’ll also find gold-plated jewelry, including cool lariat necklaces: the butterfly and two-hearts designs are especially fetching. The eye-catching sparkle cube is just $98 and looks like a million bucks, at least on the model. For guys, check out the 5-pocket pants and cool shorts, comfy t’s and wrinkle-free dress shirts from 7 Diamonds and Bugatchi.
Continuing in the fashion theme, Kismet owner Jennifer McRay tells us she’s noticed that people are buying earlier in the season instead of waiting. They’ve learned stores are having a harder time getting more merchandise in, last-minute. “Shipping is still slower than what it was before Covid,” she observes. “Customers are also buying higher priced ticket items for themselves: maybe a focus on quality over quantity?” They’ve sold a lot of Hammitt handbags, faux fur jackets, and Uno de 50 jewelry. She says cozy, comfy things are still a big seller this time of year: Barefoot Dreams and Softies are always popular.
Susan Sedgley Tesla of Romantiques echoes that theme telling us, “PJ’s and sweaters are our top categories for gifts. They’re easy to give and receive!” She’s proud to be carrying works from a few new designers she says are “artists at their core.” Among them are Kerri Rosenthal, a celebrated Connecticut artist and designer known for her joyful, color-soaked paintings, heart motifs, and hand painted surfboards. “Her focus is about love and joy, and we fully support that!” Also featured is Katie Kime, an Austin based designer whose career began with hand-illustrated prints and small trunk shows featuring vibrant “city toile” illustrations, bold colors, and playful take on modern Americana.
Time Out has some awesomely cool water bottles for those who prioritize hydration, plus some great layering options for girls on the go.
(Laura Ness / Los Gatan)
If you’re looking for resort wear or the perfect bathing suit, head to Palapa Lounge Beachwear and talk to owner Karen Jensen, or visit Viva O Sol. For women’s athletic wear options, Title Nine has you covered.
Walking into Johnny Was feels like a luxury. A deeply exotic looking velvety blanket will keep any princess warm on a sleigh ride. Holiday-ready velvet and satin dresses, and plush robes are ready to spoil.
The gals at Shop Remi B recommend “favorite daughter” sweatshirts, belts, relaxed v-neck sweaters, silky lounge-worthy pajamas in martini or red or white wine motifs. I loved the hefty boucle knit sweater with pockets and cool buttons from Dear John.
Voluptuary stuns with exotic silky tops and pants, plus lots of options in the faux fur department, including cropped shortie leopard prints and vests, as well as elegant ruched capes and jackets.
Whitney Modern beckons with “Holiday Treasures” original art, and Harvest is a cornucopia of furniture you never knew you absolutely needed.
Don’t forget The Wooden Horse on Blossom Hill for horse-themed crafts, dolls, games, puzzles, coloring pads, stuffed animals and vehicles. If you really want to drive a parent crazy, get their kids a kazoo or a jingle stick.
Here’s wishing you “Happy Holidays!”
Don’t delay your shopping, as plenty of folks have already got the jump on it.
